Theological Works

While John the Baptist preached about the coming Messiah and His Kingdom he warns that “baptism without a change of lifestyle is worthless” (Elwell, 809). In this way, he prepares the way for Christ by telling various groups of people how to bear good fruit:

"Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise" (Luke 3:11). When “the crowd” (possibly referring to the crowd of Pharisees & Sadducees John just finished addressing) asked for direction, John the Baptist does not counsel them on externals such as to follow his ascetic lifestyle or to upset the existing social order (Elwell, 809). Instead he gives them ethical direction: to stop being greedy and to give sacrificially to those in need.

"Collect no more than you are authorized to do" (Luke 3:13). When the tax collectors requested specific advice, John similarly did not call them externals such as leaving their present jobs, but to be honest and ethical: to be just and fair in accounting practices.

"Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages" (Luke 3:14). The soldiers present (likely Herod's soldiers, not Roman soldiers (Elwell, 809)) were told again told to be ethical in their current jobs: to stop bearing false witness, and be content with their wages.